On December 25th, I had the honor of photographing a beautiful proposal that truly warmed my heart. Madhav and Ajitha are a young couple whose love story is still in its early chapters—having met just five months ago, but as the saying goes, "when you know, you know!" They were introduced by a family member, and their connection was instant. Despite the fact that proposals in Indian culture are typically more subtle and don't always involve the traditional kneeling-down moment, Ajitha had always dreamed of a grand, romantic proposal. Madhav, determined to make her dream come true, partnered with her sister Amritha to plan the perfect surprise. That’s when Amritha reached out to me to help capture this special moment.

The Planning Process: Crafting the Perfect Surprise

Amritha came to me with a vision—Madhav had envisioned proposing during golden hour, which would add a magical touch to the photos. The proposal had to be a complete surprise, so I would need to stay hidden to ensure Ajitha wouldn’t suspect a thing. The location also had to be breathtaking, and Amritha suggested a gazebo located in a private residence complex near a friends home, that was lined with trees and cute little field behind it. We were hoping for a winter wonderland with a fresh layer of snow to make the moment even more magical. We were really hoping for the best!

A few days before the proposal, I went to the location to scout the area. I wanted to ensure that I had the best angles to capture the surprise, check the lighting, and plan my positioning so I could remain unseen. I recorded videos when I got there to share my thoughts and suggestions to Amritha so that we were both on the same page and she could relay my suggestions to Madhav. After taking a few test shots, I sent them to Amritha, who gave her approval. We discussed timing, location, and everything else to ensure that everything went smoothly. The excitement in the air was palpable—everything was falling into place!! We had our plan

The Proposal: A Chilly Christmas Surprise

When Christmas Day arrived, the excitement and anticipation were at a fever pitch. The weather had been chilly, but the day before, it had snowed, leaving behind a beautiful blanket of snow on the ground. The field surrounding the gazebo was pristine and picturesque—a perfect winter backdrop for the proposal. However, there were a few delays, and as the time crept closer to golden hour, I started to feel the pressure of timing. But Amritha and I stayed in touch, and I made sure to remain in position, ready to capture that perfect moment when Madhav would pop the question.

The timing was tight, but when I saw the couple and their friends approaching the gazebo, my heart started racing. There’s something so special about capturing such an intimate, emotional moment—it’s a rush of joy, excitement, and gratitude all at once. Madhav had originally told Ajitha that they would be taking some photos to document their day, even though the photographer they had planned on had fallen through at the last minute. So, when they arrived at the gazebo, the group took some casual photos, and that’s when Madhav led Ajitha up to the gazebo. As soon as they reached the center, I emerged from my hiding spot and began snapping photos.

Ajitha was totally surprised, the gazebo was decorated with red rose petals and a cute sign that said "Marry me?" She said yes, and the joy between them was infectious. The couple embraced, and we were able to capture some stunning moments before the sun dipped. It was an unforgettable moment, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have been tiny part of their love story.

A Moment to Cherish Forever

After Ajitha said "yes," the couple was overjoyed, and we spent some time taking more photos together as the sun set. The snow-covered gazebo and the surrounding field created the perfect romantic atmosphere, and I’m so grateful I was able to be there to document the start of their next chapter. I could tell just how much this moment meant to both of them, and the emotions of the day were perfectly captured in the photos we took. We wrapped up just before the sunset, and as they shared a quiet moment alone, I knew this was a memory they would cherish forever.

Let’s Plan Your Perfect Proposal Together

If you’re planning your own proposal and want to make sure you capture those once-in-a-lifetime moments with a professional photographer, I’d love to help you. My name is Carlota, and I’m a Connecticut-based event and portrait photographer with a passion for documenting genuine, authentic moments. I work with couples to plan and create beautiful, timeless photographs that allow them to relive their special moments for years to come. If you're planning your own engagement or proposal, let’s connect and discuss how I can help make your vision a reality. From finding the perfect location to staying hidden for that surprise moment, I’ll work with you to ensure everything goes smoothly and that you have stunning photos to look back on for the rest of your life.